Steve McClaren in talks with Birmingham's opponents Bruges

03 Nov 2011 01:31:34

The last time Steve McClaren watched Birmingham City, Chris Hughton's team ended his short-lived spell in charge of Nottingham Forest.
And on Thursday the Championship side could be his first port of call as the former England coach attempts to kick-start his career in Belgium.
McClaren has emerged as the favourite to fill the vacant position at Bruges after meeting their hierarchy in the past 48 hours.
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Probable line-up(4-4-2): Myhill; Spector, Ibanez, Davies, Murphy; Burke, Fahey, N'Daw, Beausejour; Rooney, Zigic.
KO: 8.05pm
The ex-Middlesbrough boss is hoping the club can provide a platform similar to the one he enjoyed at FC Twente, where winning the Dutch title helped him recover from the public mauling he suffered with England.
McClaren walked out on Forest last month after just three months in charge, claiming they could not match his ambition.
The 50-year-old will take his seat at St Andrew's as Group H leaders Birmingham look to move towards qualification against the backdrop of yet more financial gloom.
The publication of the club's accounts has been postponed until January, giving rise to speculation that their cash problems may be close to tipping them into administration.
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Hughton said: 'All I can do is work under the circumstances as they are. If something happens, then we will have to deal with it when that time comes.'
Since the 2-1 win in Bruges a fortnight ago, Birmingham have not lost. Bruges have not won, and last week sacked coach Adrie Koster.
Hughton added: 'If we do well on the pitch, the supporters will be happy, irrespective of what's happening off it.'
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